Septic tank cleaning is a vital part of the house's plumbing system. Although most plumbing systems sometimes tend to be overlooked, when they break down, they can cause a variety of problems in your home. Some of these problems are expensive, dirty, and hard to fix. If your septic tank becomes clogged, especially with tree roots, it could lead to costly repairs and a potential drain on your household budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple, affordable ways you can help prevent problems in the future.

The Importance of Septic Tank Cleaning

Septic tanks need to be cleaned regularly because they serve as holding tanks for wastewater from your home or business. The wastewater flows into the tank from pipes in your home or business and then sits there until it can be pumped out by a vacuum truck or truck-mounted pump. If the tank isn't cleaned regularly, it will fill up with waste and start overflowing into the ground around it — which can lead to serious problems like contaminated groundwater and soil erosion. 

The Location of Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank should be located so that it can drain into a suitable soil absorption area or leach field. It should not be placed on top of bedrock because the porous rock will not allow percolation to take place. If you live in an area where bedrock is exposed, keep the tank away from it. The septic tank should also be located so that the wastewater will flow freely into the drainage system. 

Inspect Your Septic Tank Regularly

If you've never inspected your septic tank before, then now would be a good time to do so. Make sure that there isn't any damage or corrosion on any parts of the system, including pipes and valves inside the tank or outside in the ground surrounding it. If there are any problems with these things, then they will need repair before they become an issue for you later on down the line when they start causing backups or other problems with your plumbing system.

Conserve Water When Possible

Septic systems can handle a certain amount of waste. If you regularly produce more waste than your system is designed to handle, it can cause problems, such as clogs or backups. That's why it's important to have your system regularly inspected by a professional who knows what they are doing.

Plant Trees Away From the Septic Tank and Drainfield

Trees and shrubs should be planted away from the septic tank and drain field lines. That way, if roots invade those areas, there will be less chance of causing damage to either part of the system.

Hire an Expert for Regular Maintenance

Septic tanks need to be cleaned at least once a year. This is because they contain bacteria that break down the waste in the water. Over time, these bacteria build up and cause the sludge to become increasingly hard to break down. It is crucial to hire a professional septic cleaning service on a regular basis to ensure your system works properly.

Keeping your septic tank clean ensures that your plumbing system runs smoothly. Contact a residential septic cleaning service to get the help you need caring for your system.